Seat with retractable tray

ABSTRACT

A seat cushion having a pull-out tray is disclosed. The seat cushion is configured to flex so as to conform to the contour of a support surface, such as a stadium seat. The tray is configured to hold food, beverages and other articles.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to seats, and more specifically, to a seat having an integrated tray configured to selectably extend from the front of the seat.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Seats in certain environments are available such that a person will sit in a seat while watching an event, such as a movie, a television program, a play, and a sporting event, such as a soccer, football, baseball, hockey or tennis match. These seats may be permanent or have some degree of portability. Seats in such environments include at least stadium seating, stadium seating, theatre seating, portable and permanent seating at ball fields, vehicle seats, and various living room type furniture, such as couches, loveseats and arm chairs.

Users of theses seats are typically without the convenience of a nearby table for use as a support for various items. In each of these environments a user of a seat may enjoy the convenience of having a nearby surface to place certain items, such as food, drink, papers, a pen, a pencil, reading material, and various other items. The desire for such convenience may be significant, as a person may be potentially sitting for an extended period of time, for example while watching a sporting event.

While some portable seats address this need, these seats sacrifice comfort. This occurs because the structure of these seats is rigid. Accordingly, when the portable seat is placed on a permanent seat having a curvature designed to enhance comfort, the rigid portable seat only presents a substantially planar sitting surface.

A seat providing a convenient surface for temporary storage of items, which is flexible so as to conform to a permanent seat having comfort topology is needed.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The systems, methods, and devices of the invention each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments” one will understand how the features of this invention provide advantages over other seat devices.

One embodiment is an integrated seat and tray device, in which the device has a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side. The device further includes a track assembly extending toward the back from the front, and a tray mounted in the track assembly and adapted to slide from a retracted position into an extended position in which the tray extends from the front. The seat is adapted to deform while in use, and the track assembly is adapted to flex to accommodate the deformation of the seat.

Another embodiment is a tray assembly adapted for attachment to a preexisting seat or chair. The tray assembly includes a track assembly including a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a left side, and a right side, a tray mounted in the track assembly and adapted to slide from a retracted position, out of the front of the track assembly into an extended position. The tray assembly also includes an attachment structure adapted for temporarily mounting the tray assembly to the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating use of an embodiment of a seat with a tray.

FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating the portability of the seat of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the upper side and under side of an embodiment of a top portion of a track assembly of the seat of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom portion of a track assembly of the seat of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an embodiment of a track assembly in flexed and unflexed states.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray of the seat of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an embodiment of a seat with a tray in retracted and extended states.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drink securing member for a tray.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat which has a drink support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of seats are presented herein which provide the benefits of having a tray to store certain items. Such convenience is particularly desirable when a person is expecting to be seated for extended periods of time, such as while watching an event, such as a movie, a television program, a play, and a sporting event. Some embodiments are also flexible, so as to provide a more comfortable sitting area when the seat is placed on a surface having a shape designed for increased comfort. Some embodiments are portable, and some embodiments are covered by a soft cushion. Some embodiments of the tray comprise a drink holder.

FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating use of an embodiment of a seat 100 with a tray 110. The person is sitting on the seat 100, with the tray 110 in an extended position, extending from the front of the seat 100. The person has food on the extended tray 110, and a cup in the drink holder 120. As such, the hands of the person are not needed to hold the food and drink, and are, accordingly, free for other uses, such as applauding, writing, and waving. The tray can be used for holding other items as well, such as papers, a pen, a pencil, reading material, and various other items.

FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating the portability of the seat of FIG. 1A. As shown, the seat 100 can be carried by the person. In some embodiments, the seat 100 has a handle 130 for convenient carrying. Accordingly, the person can conveniently carry the seat 100 to a variety of different events having a variety of different seating configurations. For example, the seat can be carried to a stadium, a theatre, or a ball field, and can be used on a preexisting permanent seat or a portable chair. In some embodiments the seat 100 comprises a hook or other attachment mechanism so that the seat 100 may be securely mounted to the permanent seat or portable chair. In some embodiments the seat 100 comprises an attachment structure so as to support an umbrella or other object.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the upper side and under side of an embodiment of a top 200 portion of a track assembly of the seat of FIG. 1A. The top 200 of the track assembly as shown is substantially rectangular, however, other shapes may be used. The top 200 provides an upper support seat surface for the user. The top 200 is strong enough to support expected loads and is flexible so as to deform under the load such that it substantially conforms to a contour of a structure supporting the seat. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B the top 200 comprises structural reinforcing elements 220 running predominantly from front to back so that the top 200 deforms such that the front 206 and back 208 are curved and the left 202 and right 204 sides remain substantially straight. In some embodiments the top 200 is surrounded or partially surrounded with at least one of a cushion and a cover. The top 200 is configured to attach to other portions of the track assembly (not shown), and in some embodiments is configured to attach to at least one of the cushion and the cover (not shown)

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom 300 portion of a track assembly of the seat of FIG. 1A. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the bottom 300 of the track assembly has three pieces. The bottom center piece 310 is configured to interface with a tray, embodiments of which are described below. The center piece has an alignment element 312 configured to engage with the tray so as to substantially confine the tray movements to that of sliding between a retracted position substantially within the track assembly and an extended position extending from the track assembly. This is described in more detail below. The alignment element 312 may have other configurations, for example, the alignment element 312 may comprise multiple elements. When assembled with the top 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the alignment element 312 may extend from the bottom 300 upwardly so as to contact the top 200 and to thereby provide structural support for the top 200. In some embodiments, the alignment element 312 attaches to the top 200. The bottom side pieces 320 are configured to attach to the top 200, and to be independent of the bottom center piece 310. As such, the bottom center piece 310 and the bottom side pieces 320 are free to move with respect to one another, confined by mechanical forces related to the deformation of the top 200. The bottom 300 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 has three pieces. Other embodiments may have more pieces, or fewer pieces. For example, some embodiments have one or more side pieces integrated with the top. Similarly, some embodiments have the center piece integrated with the top. Other embodiments comprise additional side pieces positioned between the bottom center piece 310 and one or more bottom side pieces 320. Some embodiments have bottom side pieces 320 extending only a portion of the distance from the front 206 to the back 208 of the top 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In such embodiments two or more independent bottom side pieces 320 may collectively extend partially or entirely from the front 206 to the back 208 of the top 200. For example, one or more bottom side pieces 320 may be segmented so as to comprise two, three, or more independent segments. The bottom center piece 420 may additionally or alternatively have a similarly segmented configuration.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an embodiment of a track assembly 400 in flexed and unflexed positions. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the track assembly 400 comprises a top 410, a bottom center 420, and two bottom side pieces 430, such as those described above. Although, for clarity, a load is not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the track assembly 400 is illustrated as though it were supporting a seated person. In FIG. 4A, the track assembly 400 is positioned on a substantially planar support surface 450. Accordingly, the top 410 remains substantially planar, and the size of the gaps between the bottom center 420 and the bottom side pieces 430 are substantially the same as when the track assembly is not supporting a load. In FIG. 4B, the track assembly 400 is positioned on a curved support surface 460, such as a permanent stadium seat. Accordingly, as the top 410 is flexible, the track assembly 400 deforms to conform to the shape of the curved support surface 460, and the size of the gaps between the bottom center 420 and the bottom side pieces 430 are larger than when the track assembly is not supporting a load.

In some embodiments, the track assembly 400 is configured to flex in multiple directions. To accommodate such flexing the bottom may comprise multiple bottom side pieces 430 on each side of the bottom center piece 420 and additionally or alternatively the bottom center piece 420 may similarly comprise multiple segments. The specific configuration of the bottom side pieces 430 and the bottom center piece 420 is not limited as the specific segmentation may be designed to meet conformity needs according to specific contours of anticipated support surfaces.

In some embodiments the seat comprises a cushion. So as to be substantially soft, the cushion can comprise a layer of flexible polymer foam. In some embodiments, the cushion partially surrounds the track assembly. For example, the cushion can be attached to the track assembly on the top and on two or three other sides. In some embodiments, the cushion substantially surrounds the track assembly with an opening allowing movement of the tray. In some embodiments the cushion is at least on the top and below the bottom of the track assembly.

In some embodiments, the seat comprises a cover. The cover can be removable so as to be washed or changed. For example, during football season the user may want to have a cover with a football logo, and during baseball season the user may replace the football cover with a cover with a baseball logo. Some embodiments have a cushion and a cover, and the cover may be connected to the cushion.

In some embodiments, the seat comprises a back support portion, such that, while seated, a user can lean against the back support portion and be supported. In some embodiments, the back support portion is attached to the seat with one or more hinging mechanisms such that the seat can be stored with the back support portion substantially adjacent to the sitting surface and when in use the back support portion can be adjusted to a use position when desired. In some embodiments, the back support portion can have a plurality of use positions, for example, at various angles with respect to the rest of the seat. In some embodiments, the back support portion is covered or partially covered with a cushion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray 500 of the seat 100 of FIG. 1A. Although other materials may be used, some embodiments of tray 500 comprise a resilient synthetic polymer. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the tray 500 has an alignment slot 510 configured to interface with an alignment element in the track assembly, such as alignment element 312 of FIG. 3. The alignment element and the slot 510 are configured to cooperatively substantially confine the tray movements to that of sliding between a retracted position substantially within the track assembly and an extended position extending from the track assembly. The alignment slot 510 may have other configurations. For example, the alignment slot 510 may comprise multiple slots. In some configurations the tray 500 may comprise one or more alignment protrusions and the track assembly may comprise one or more alignment slots. Various other alignment schemes may also be used. For instance, the top of the track assembly may have one or more alignment structures which engage with the tray 500 to substantially confine the tray to only desired movement possibilities.

As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the tray 500 may comprise structural features so as to facilitate support of certain items. For example, the tray 500 of FIG. 5 comprises a hole 530 with a size appropriate for an anticipated drink container such as a cup, a can or a bottle. As such the hole 530 can function as a drink holder. The tray may additionally or alternatively comprise other structural features. For example, the tray may have a hole sized appropriately for other anticipated items, such as cotton-candy. The tray may have a depression providing a place to store personal items such as a wallet and keys, or to hold ice and a beverage container. In some embodiments the tray and the remainder of the seat are structurally sturdy enough to be able to hold heavier items, such as the legs of the user, or a small child. In order to provide the needed support, additional features may be needed. For example, the tray may comprise legs which contact the ground. In some embodiments, the tray may comprise one or more hinging mechanisms which allow for the height of the tray, relative to the track assembly, to be adjusted. Such adjustment provides a convenient surface for example, for holding reading material, or for writing, such as in a scorebook.

As is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the tray 500 may comprise a handle 520, which may be used while carrying the seat. In some embodiments the handle 530 is configured to extend out of the back of the seat when the tray is in a retracted position. Though not shown, the seat may comprise one or more handles at various other locations on the seat.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an embodiment of a seat with a tray in retracted and extended states. As described above the track assembly and the tray are configured to allow the tray to slide between a retracted position substantially within the track assembly and an extended position extending from the track assembly. To facilitate the sliding movement, the track assembly and tray may be configured such that the load of the user is not borne by the tray. In some embodiments, the tray and track assembly are configured so as to allow the tray to slide while the track assembly is in either a flexed or unflexed position. In addition, the track assembly and tray may be configured with structures to reduce the friction of the sliding, such as rollers or sliding surfaces. Other structures may also be used.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optional drink securing member 700 for a tray. In some embodiments, the hole of the tray assembly has such a member 700 or has the features of such a member. As shown in FIG. 7, the member has a plurality of flanges 710 defined by a plurality of slots 720. The member is configured for a beverage container having a diameter of a size greater than the inner diameter of the member and less than the distance between distal ends of slots on opposite sides of the member, such as the distance between distal end 721 and distal end 722. When the container is inserted through the member 700, the flanges 710 deform. Because of the lateral mechanical force generated by the flanges 710 the beverage container is snuggly held by the member 700.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat which has an optional drink support device 810. In the embodiment shown, the device 810 is configured to support a beverage container positioned in the hole 820 of the tray 830. The hole 820 and the device 810 are configured such that the container extends through the hole and rests on the device 810. The device 810 may comprise at least one of metal and plastic. Other materials may also be used. The device 810 may be a separate component or may be integrated with the tray. In some embodiments, the device 810 is configured to have varying positions relative to the tray 830 depending on whether the tray 830 is in the extended or retracted position. For example, the device 810 may comprise a wire pivotably attached to the tray 830. As the tray 830 slides from an extended position, as shown in FIG. 8, toward a retracted position the device 810 contacts the bottom 850 of the track assembly 840. As the tray 830 further slides into the track assembly 840 the device 810 pivots from a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the tray 830 towards a substantially parallel position with respect to the tray 830. Finally, when the tray 830 is in the retracted position, the device 810 is in a substantially parallel position with respect to the tray 830, and is supported in that position by the bottom 850. As the tray 830 slides from the retracted position to the extended position, the device 810 comes out of the track assembly 840, and is no longer supported by the bottom 850. The device 810 pivots from the parallel position to the perpendicular position with respect to the tray 830. Accordingly, when the tray 830 is in the extended position, the device 810 is in a position to support a beverage container, and when the tray 830 is in the retracted position the device 810 is in a position for convenient storage.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. 

1. An integrated seat and tray device, in which the device has a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side, the device further comprising: a track assembly extending toward the back from the front; and a tray mounted in the track assembly and adapted to slide from a retracted position into an extended position in which the tray extends from the front, wherein the seat is adapted to deform while in use, and the track assembly is adapted to flex to accommodate the deformation of the seat.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a drink holder in or on the tray, the drink holder positioned for use when the tray is extended;
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the tray further comprises a handle, wherein the handle extends from the back of the seat when the tray is in the retracted position.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a cushion.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the track assembly such that the cushion is located on at least two sides of the track assembly.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a back support portion.
 7. The device of claim 4, further comprising a removable cover connected to the cushion.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a flexible polymer foam and the track assembly and tray comprise a resilient synthetic polymer.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the track assembly comprises at least one top element and at least one bottom element, and is adapted to sandwich the tray between said top element and said bottom element.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the track assembly comprises at least three bottom elements.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the track assembly comprises reinforcing structures running primarily from the front to the back such that the track assembly is adapted to flex such that the front and the back of the track assembly each become concave.
 12. A tray assembly adapted for attachment to a preexisting seat or chair, the tray assembly comprising: a track assembly comprising a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a left side, and a right side; a tray mounted in the track assembly and adapted to slide from a retracted position, out of the front of the track assembly into an extended position; and an attachment structure adapted for temporarily mounting the tray assembly to the seat.
 13. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the track assembly is adapted to flex such that the front and the back of the track assembly each become concave.
 14. The tray assembly of claim 13, wherein the tray is adapted to slide in and out of the track assembly while the track assembly is in either a flexed or unflexed position.
 15. The tray assembly of claim 12, further comprising a drink holder in or on the tray, the drink holder positioned for use when the tray is extended;
 16. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the tray further comprises a handle, wherein the handle extends from the back of the track assembly when the tray is in the retracted position.
 17. The tray assembly of claim 12, wherein the track assembly further comprises a cushion.
 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a removable cover connected to the cushion.
 19. The device of claim 12, wherein the track assembly comprises at least one top element and at least one bottom element, and is adapted to sandwich the tray between said top element and said bottom element.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the track assembly comprises three bottom elements. 